Much has been written, blogged about, posted and shared on the topic of life hacks in the past few years. The term has been used in many ways, so I went to Wikipedia to see what a life hack really is:

“A life hack (or life hacking) is any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life. The term was primarily used by computer experts who suffer from information overload or those with a playful curiosity in the ways they can accelerate their workflow in ways other than programming.”¹

Merriam-Webster added this explanation:

“A usually simple and clever tip or technique for accomplishing some familiar task more easily and efficiently.... ‘Life hacks,’ as they are known, are all about eliminating life's manifold frustrations in simple and deliciously clever ways. The best involve tricks that are free, efficient and stunningly obvious in retrospect, deploying household items (like the humble toilet roll) for purposes beyond their wildest aspirations.—Michael Koziol”²

When I dug further, I found references back to the 1900s that described how factory supervisors looked for hacks to create better efficiencies and boost productivity.³

In my practice, I have come up with many life hacks for nearly three decades. I love finding better ways to boost efficiency, but my end goal is to bring value to my patients.

One of my favorite hacks is our Visual Treatment Plan (VTP; see the images below for a copy of the full form) that we give every patient. Originally, I adapted it to help us be consistent and to make certain each patient received the proper prescriptions for all their eye care needs. We later added disease education tabs as well as product tabs to be sure we prescribed what each patient needed based on our clinical findings and their wants and needs as described at the top of the form.

My VTP also lists my preferred eyelid hygiene products. This list is important to me because I want every patient to understand the value of a daily eyelid and ocular hygiene routine.

What is interesting about this “life hack” is that it is not the form that makes the difference; it is what it reminds me to do. The VTP ensures that I am consistent with every patient according to their needs and wants, and provides something tangible patients can take home and share with family and friends. It also helps patients see value in their visit and understand the prescriptions and products I recommend.

I have shared this form with many friends and colleagues, and I know some of you have found success with it. As time goes by and new products and solutions become available, a hack like this will need updates. I can alrea dy see things missing that I have adopted in practice since its last revision, and I look forward to updating it for myself this week.

What are your favorite life hacks in your practice? I hope you will share them with me so we can develop even more together.

APRIL JASPER, OD, FAAO Dr. April Jasper graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry with highest honors in 1995. She is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Jasper completed her residency in primary care, ocular disease and contact lenses in Boston, MA where she also held a position as adjunct professor at NEWENCO. Dr. Jasper has served her patients and colleagues as president of the Florida Optometric Association 2016 to 2017. She continues to share her knowledge and expertise around the world authoring numerous publications, lecturing and as chief editor of Optometric Management magazine.